The Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) said that some elements of Vested Interests were trying to interrupt National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP), approved by the Cabinet in November 2019, to cover for smooth conversion of fuel-based vehicles into climate friendly electric automobiles.
An official of MoCC said in a statement that Deep rooted Auto manufacturers lobby in support with its well-wishers was active to spoil the policy for boosting its decades monopolized fuel-based automobiles business which was against national interests.
Official said no real objection was raised against NEVP by Ministry of Industries and Production as it was only argued during the Cabinet meeting that “Electric Vehicle” was a word not mentioned in the rules of business later EV policy submitted by MoCC was approved by cabinet in November 2019 after necessary amendments.
NEVP has bagged global acclaim and praise due to its innovative and cutting edge approach. It is an achievement of Prime Minister Imran Khan whereas such Influential would further wants in delay for approval of NEVP.
The MoCC official argued that there was no issue in defining the policy by Ministry of Industries and Production, however around 40 percent of the major world policies were spearheaded and housed in the Environment or Climate Change ministries of various countries across the globe owing to the global focus on air emissions which this policy aims to reduce.
MoCC regretted that majority of the fuel-based cars produced in Pakistan are not up to the mark as they had euro-II engines installed in the vehicles and are also abusing the masses by selling them at hefty costs. The car that costs half a million rupees in India is sold for over a million rupees in Pakistan and also lacked road safety equipment and modern technology.
He said it was only a 3-4 years window to get benefit for Pakistan by positioning it as a leading manufacturer of right hand drive EVs by the year 2023.
The electric cars had already undergone test and trail of 8 months in Pakistan so that those models were customized as per the market demand and respective conditions.
An electric vehicle including motorcycle was saving up to Rs6,000 a month whereas a small car or pickup vans Rs 21,000, Car Sedan Rs 29,000, City Bus, Coaster, Coach would save Rs291,000 and Intercity Bus Rs 652,500 per month.
The savings shown are only on fuel excluding lubricant as engine oil, gear oil, filters etc besides the monthly maintenance.